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Zaurus User Group FAQs (frequently-asked questions)
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Category: Main -> General
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· What is the Zaurus?
- A Linux- and Java-based PDA from Sharp
The Zaurus PDA that this FAQ discusses is the new
Linux- and Java-based PDA which was released in the US and
Europe by Sharp in the 1st Quarter of 2002.
Last updated: 2002.Apr.06
- The SL-5000D
Identical to the SL-5500 (below), except with only 32MB of RAM.
Applies to: SL-5000D
Last updated: 2003.Jun.09
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The SL-5500
Specifications of the original SL-5500 model were:
- 206MHz StrongARM CPU
- 64MB RAM (for storage and memory)
- 16MB ROM (for OS and built-in apps; flashable/upgradable)
- 240x320 16bpp (65,536 colors) frontlit 3.5" LCD
- Linux 2.4 kernel (Lineo's Embedix)
- PersonalJava (Insignia's Jeode)
- Opera Web browser
- Qtopia (Trolltech's Qt/Embedded plus apps.)
- Stereo audio out / Mono audio in (1/8" headphone jack)
- Buzzer (for alarms/etc.)
- On-screen handwriting recognition (with word-completion)
- On-screen keyboard (with word-completion)
- On-screen letter pickboard (with word-completion)
- UNICode character-picker
- 37-key QWERTY thumbpad (similar to Blackberry RIM pagers)
- IR port
- USB/Serial docking station
- Compact Flash Type-2 expansion port
- Secure Digital / Mulitmedia Card (MMC) expansion port
- Rechargable, removable battery (Lithium-Ion) (950mA)
Note: On the original SL-5500, all programs ran as root.
This is changed in newer models (e.g. SL-5600), and in updated
ROMs (e.g., Sharp's 3.10 ROM for SL-5500).
Applies to: SL-5500
Last updated: 2002.Apr.06
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The SL-5600
The SL-5600, released in the US in early 2003:
- 400MHz X-Scale CPU
- 32MB RAM (for and memory)
- 64MB ROM (for OS, built-in apps, and internal storage)
- 240x320 16bpp (65,536 colors) frontlit 3.5" LCD
- Linux 2.4 kernel (Lineo's Embedix)
- PersonalJava (Insignia's Jeode)
- Opera Web browser
- Qtopia (Trolltech's Qt/Embedded plus apps.)
- Stereo audio out / Mono audio in (1/8" headphone jack)
- Buzzer (for alarms/etc.)
- Built-in mono speaker
- Built-in mic
- On-screen handwriting recognition (with word-completion)
- On-screen keyboard (with word-completion)
- On-screen letter pickboard (with word-completion)
- UNICode character-picker
- 37-key QWERTY thumbpad (similar to Blackberry RIM pagers)
- IR port
- USB/Serial docking station
- Compact Flash Type-2 expansion port
- Secure Digital / Mulitmedia Card (MMC) expansion port
- Rechargable, removable battery (Lithium-Ion) (1700mA)
Applies to: SL-5600
Last updated: 2003.Jun.09
- The SL-A300
Only available in Japan!
Identical to the SL-5500, minus the CF slot (available as an
add-on sleeve) and built-in QWERTY keyboard.
Applies to: SL-C700
Last updated: 2003.Jun.09
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The SL-C700
Only available in Japan!
The first clamshell model of the Linux-based Zaurus.
- 400MHz X-Scale CPU
- 32MB RAM (for and memory)
- 64MB ROM (for OS, built-in apps, and internal storage)
- 640x480 16bpp (65,536 colors) frontlit 3.5" LCD
- Linux 2.4 kernel (Lineo's Embedix)
- PersonalJava (Insignia's Jeode)
- NetFront web browser
- Qtopia (Trolltech's Qt/Embedded plus apps.)
- Stereo audio out / Mono audio in (1/8" headphone jack)
- Buzzer (for alarms/etc.)
- On-screen handwriting recognition (with word-completion)
- On-screen keyboard (with word-completion)
- On-screen letter pickboard (with word-completion)
- UNICode character-picker
- 59-key QWERTY keyboard (larger than the SL-5x00 series)
- IR port
- USB/Serial docking station
- Compact Flash Type-2 expansion port
- Secure Digital / Mulitmedia Card (MMC) expansion port
- Rechargable, removable battery (Lithium-Ion) (950mA)
Applies to: SL-C700
Last updated: 2003.Jun.09
- The SL-C750
Identical to the SL-C700, except with a PXA-255 X-Scale CPU,
rather than PXA-250 and 64MB of RAM.
Applies to: SL-C750
Last updated: 2003.Jun.09
- The SL-C760
Identical to the SL-C700, except with a PXA-255 X-Scale CPU,
rather than PXA-250, 64MB of RAM, 128MB of Flash, and a larger,
1700mA battery.
Applies to: SL-C760
Last updated: 2003.Jun.09
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· How does it relate to other Zauruses?
- It is similar in form-factor to Japanese MI models
The Linux-based Zaurus (SL-5500 and the development version,
SL-5000D) are similar only in that they are from Sharp and
have the same shape and exterior features (keyboard, screen,
etc.).
The Zaurus discussed in this document runs Lineo's Embedix
brand of Linux and uses a 206MHz ARM CPU. The earlier
Zauruses released in Japan use a proprietary OS from Sharp
and a different CPU. They are not compatible.
Here is an FAQ for the Japanese model Zauruses:
http://zaurus.biojapan.de/zaufaq.html
Source: Rump Armin
Last updated: 2002.Apr.20
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· Why should I care about the Zaurus?
- It's a powerful PDA
With a 206MHz ARM processor, 64MB of RAM, 16bit graphics,
and not one, but two expansion slots, it's among the most powerful
PDAs on the market today. It's capable of wireless access, digital
photography, music and video playback, full-featured web browsing,
gaming, and much more.
Last updated: 2002.Apr.02
- It runs Linux - Great for Linux hackers!
People accustomed to Linux are used to a powerful, stable,
open operating system. By using a Zaurus, they get this in
their pocket, down to the shell prompt!
Last updated: 2002.Apr.02
- It runs Linux - Great for the end-user!
While many believe Linux isn't easy enough to use for end-users,
on a pre-packaged device like the Zaurus, the underlying OS is
transparent - the user rarely needs to think about it.
And because it runs Linux, there are already many thousands of
potential Zaurus developers in the world who will be creating
the Zaurus applications of the future, and, thanks to the openness
of Linux, helping perfect the Zaurus' existing system software and
applications.
Last updated: 2002.Apr.02
- It's got a built-in keyboard
The built-in, hide-away, 37-key QWERTY keyboard (similar to those
on some pagers, and available as add-ons for other PDAs) provides
an extremely fast method for inputing data onto your Zaurus.
Many have already found the keyboard much more convenient than
using the Zaurus' trainable handwriting recognition software
or on-screen keyboard.
Last updated: 2002.Apr.02
- It's expandable
With both a CF slot and an SD slot, you can add both extra
storage space AND useful accessories to the Zaurus at the same
time. (Accessories like a digital camera, a GPS device,
a wireless NIC, or a modem.)
Last updated: 2002.Apr.02
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· Where can I buy a Zaurus in the US?
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· Where can I buy the Zaurus in Canada?
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· Where can I buy the Zaurus in Japan?
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Currently, the SL-5500 is not available in Japan
Probably to keep from diluting the ~25% marketshare Sharp
enjoys in Japan with the MI models (which use a different CPU
and OS than the SL series), it appears Sharp hasn't yet announced
plans to ship the Linux-based SL series in Japan
Last updated: 2002.Apr.09
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· Where can I buy a Zaurus in Germany?
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· Where can I buy a Zaurus in Australia?
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· Where else can I buy a Zaurus?
- From PC Connection
PC Connection
apparently will ship anywhere (even Canada).
(The Zaurus is here)
Source: Sebastien Routier
Last updated: 2002.Apr.09
- From J and R
J & R
sells the Zaurus, and ships to Canada and the US.
Source: John Huynh
Last updated: 2002.Apr.09
- From Xtops.de
Xtops.de
sells the Zaurus, and ships to European countries.
Source: Lionel Bouchpan-Lerust-Juery
Last updated: 2002.Apr.12
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· Where can I buy a Zaurus in the UK?
- The Zaurus SL line has currently been discontinued by Sharp in the UK, although some websites sell refurbished Zaurii and returned stock. Two such websites are:
http://www.expansys.com
http://www.digi-uk.co.uk
Of course Zaurii can also be found on eBay UK, but as always you must be careful when buying from online auction sites.
Source: tumnus
Last updated: 2003.Oct.08
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· In what order did the different Zaurus SL models come out?
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SL-5000D (Developer model)
SL-5500
SL-A300 (Japan only)
SL-C700 (Japan only, but there are several exporters)
SL-B500 (Japan only)
SL-5600 (English version of SLB500)
SL-C750 (Japan only, but there are several exporters)
SL-C760 (Japan only, but there are several exporters)
Source: tumnus
Last updated: 2003.Oct.08
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· What is OPIE?
- Open Palmtop Integrated Environment
OPIE stands for Open Palmtop Integrated Environment and it is a fork of the open-source version of Trolltech's Qtopia (The Zaurus comes with a commercial version of Qtopia). OPIE is used as a graphical environment on iPAQs with Linux installed and by the OpenZaurus ROM. The OPIE homepage is: http://opie.handhelds.org
Source: tumnus
Last updated: 2003.Oct.10
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· What is OpenZaurus?
- OpenZaurus = Open Source!
OpenZaurus is a completely open-source and free ROM for the Zaurus. The OpenZaurus homepage is: http://www.openzaurus.org
Source: tumnus
Last updated: 2003.Oct.10
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· How do I keep the case around the screen from getting scratches from the screen protector/case?
- Clear nail polish!
Theres an easy fix for this: Clear nail polish.
Just put it around the screen and it should keep it from scratching.
It might also be a good idea to put some on each key on the keyboard to keep the letters from wearing off. Just remember to let it dry before using it.
Source: W8TVI
Last updated: 2003.Oct.26
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· How do you pronounce 'Zaurus'?
- zaw-russ is the most common pronunciation.
Source: tumnus
Last updated: 2003.Oct.31
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· What is the plural of Zaurus?
- There is no official definition, but the most commonly used term is 'zaurii'.
Source: tumnus
Last updated: 2003.Oct.31
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· What are these dog names for the Zaurii? What are Corgi, Poodle etc?
- These are nicknames assigned to each Zaurus model by the OpenZaurus team. They are as follows:
5000D / 5500 = Collie
5600 / B500 = Poodle
C700 = Corgi
C750 = Shepherd
C760 = Husky
C860 = Unassigned at the moment but I predict it will be Husky as it\'s architecture is identical to the C760 and the C760 series has been discontinued.
Source: Foxdie
Last updated: 2003.Dec.10
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· What if I want to read the entire FAQ without performing a search? Like--just download it, print it out, and go sit on the pot with it.
- Download the ipk version (linked from the top FAQ page) and install it on your Zaurus. This installs HTML pages on your Zaurus that you can read with Opera/Netfront offline. The only caveat is that the ipk is not completely up to date.
Source: tumnus
Last updated: 2004.Feb.9
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